“Don’t be,” said Heather. “What Paul and I had was worth it. The years we had together will hold me a whole lifetime.”
Cindy was moved. She wondered if she felt that way about Clint. Could the memory of the time they had together last her a lifetime and beyond? She didn’t think so. Already, she felt the loneliness tug at her.
Cindy didn’t want to intrude, but she had to know more. “Did Paul break it off?”
“No, I did,” said Heather.
Cindy was surprised. “Can you tell me why?”
“I could if I wanted, but I don’t want to,” Heather said. “Actually, I’ll do better than tell you. I’ll give you the address of someone to see. Go there and see her. And you’ll find out everything you need to know.
Heather grabbed some paper that was lying on a small table and quickly wrote a name and address on it. Then she handed it to Cindy.
Cindy inspected the paper carefully. Her handwriting was bold, fierce, unstoppable. It took Cindy back. All the lines for the future sloped upwards, filled with confidence and promise. It didn’t fit with the story she told.
“This is powerful hand writing, “said Cindy.
Heather lifted her head, proudly.
“It shows that you’re not afraid of anything,”
“I’m not,” said Heather in a deeper tone. “I’m not alone because I’m afraid. I’m alone because I refuse to have another broken heart. These things can destroy you.”
“How well I know,” said Cindy.
“Then keep your eyes wide open,” said Heather. “It’s easier than you think to let yourself get ripped apart.”
CHAPTER 8
Mattheus couldn’t get Roomey Burke out of his mind all during the flight home. The guy had a compelling way that got under your skin. The fact that he considered himself part of Paul and Kendra’s family interested Mattheus tremendously. The guy had influence over Kendra. Maybe she didn’t need the two million from the insurance, but he could sure use some of it. First thing back, Mattheus would check his alibi. It wasn’t enough to find out whether or not Roomey was at the show, he’d have to find out how long he’d actually stayed. Mattheus had also gotten the names of the guy in the high stakes poker game, Silbert Hours, who was indebted to Paul. As soon as he checked out Roomey’s alibi, he’d find out about him.
The plane landed easily and Mattheus took a quick cab back to the hotel. It was good getting away, but he was glad to be back, too. As the cab pulled up to the hotel, he realized he hadn’t let Cindy know what time he’d be returning. He got out of the cab and suddenly felt curious about where she was now and what she’d been up to.
Mattheus walked into the lobby, half expecting her to be sitting there, waiting for him. She wasn’t. He went up to the front desk and asked them to ring her room. As he took the phone his palms felt a little sweaty. This new arrangement between them would take some getting used to. He’d spent the last three years on the police force, dealing with guys and set schedules. The phone rang in her room several times. No one picked up. Mattheus looked at the phone, disconcerted.
“Happen to see Cindy Blaine this morning?” he asked the guy at the desk.
“Who?” the guy didn’t recognize the name.
“Beautiful blonde woman in her thirties, from the states.”
The guy at the desk raised his eyes. “Oh, of course,” he said, “how can you miss her?” I think the past day or two she had breakfast on the patio restaurant over there.” He pointed to one of the hotel restaurants. “She’s expecting you?”
The question took Mattheus back. Even though he’d told her generally when he’d be back, he’d been purposely vague. There was no reason for her to be expecting him, to be hanging around, waiting. That was a mistake on his part, Mattheus realized instantly. They needed to fill each other in and make plans about who would do what next.
Disconcerted, Mattheus walked towards the restaurant the guy had pointed out. It was only 9:30 in the morning. He hoped, by luck, she’d still be there.
The restaurant was down at the end of the lobby, overlooking a large garden, filled with wild flowers, plants, little iguanas and island birds chirping all day long. To Mattheus’ delight, the minute he walked in, he saw Cindy seated at a front table, drinking coffee and reading the local paper. His heart stopped a second, and he held back. She looked beautiful sitting there in the sunlight, dressed in a soft, blue and green printed cotton dress. She seemed strangely comfortable and at ease, as if she fit right into the lush tropical landscape.
Mattheus walked over and she suddenly looked up, startled.
“My goodness,” said Cindy, “I had no idea you’d returned.”
Mattheus pulled out a chair for himself at the table. “Mind if I join you?”
Cindy smiled. She was confident and more than a little sun tanned.